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Explore Umbria by bike. This Umbrian cycling holiday starts in the spiritual city of Assisi before leading you through verdant countryside to beautiful medieval towns such as Spello, Spoleto and Torgiano. The whole region is steeped in history, tradition and culture. It is also famous for producing delicious cuisine and some truly sensational wines.
Pedal along quiet lanes and paths, past olive groves and vineyards, through the breathtakingly beautiful Umbrian Valley. Hilltop towns beckon from afar and any extra effort required to assail the flanks of these medieval gems is invariably paid back by their simple, timeless charm and wondrous views.
Spello
The many highlights of this classic route include Assisi, birthplace of St Francis, founder of the Franciscan order, Spello, a gorgeous little hilltop town that entrances all who enter and Spoleto, another medieval town with an impressive castle still largely contained within its fortifications.
You’ll also have the opportunity to visit Montefalco, to wonder at the view from the ‘Balcony of Umbria’, as well as Perugia the provincial capital with its wonderful Piazzas, Renaissance palaces and medieval churches.
And finally we have to mention the food and wine. If, like us, you appreciate dining well on your cycling holidays then you are in for a real treat. In a country that appreciates food so much, it is impressive to learn that Italians themselves revere this region for the quality of its cuisine. Similarly the local wines, such as Rosso di Montefalco and Sagrantino are also held in very high esteem and are likely to be a memorable element of a wonderful holiday.
The route adheres to the valley floor for the most part with some slightly hilly sections in parts. Apart from the steeper climbs to Montefalco (which can be avoided) and Assisi this tour is suitable for anyone with an average fitness level.
Read Mail-Online journalist Adian Lowery’s account of his experiences on this tour.
On arrival make your way to your first hotel in Assisi or nearby. Assisi is a medieval town built on a hilltop. It is a place where history, tradition, art and natural beauty combine in perfect harmony. There is a lot to see, such as the Basilica of St. Francis and Basilica of St. Clair, but it’s also pleasant to wander the narrow, winding streets or just to sit in a terrace cafe on the main square and soak up the atmosphere sipping a glass of something nice.
After breakfast your cycling adventure begins. We suggest you start early today as you may want to spend a little more time in Assisi before cycling through the varied countryside and towns and villages along the route. Perhaps take a break in the pretty walled town of Spello, dating back to Roman times. Stroll around its quaint alleyways admiring the colourful flowers that are framed so nicely against the sandstone walls. Descend into the valley and cycle to Foligno a bustling town with a lovely old centre that can be explored on foot or by bike. After a short ride further along the valley you reach your remote and quite lovely country house situated in the village of Casco dell’Acqua.
Today’s route leads you along the Umbrian Valley to the gorgeous, hilltop town of Spoleto. You’ll be able spot the town’s castle, which sits above the medieval town, while you are still some distance away. You can visit the cathedral with its beautiful frescoes, the Roman house, the museum and the Chiesa di Sant’Ansano where you can see a wonderful Renaissance fresco of the Madonna and Child. The ancient, winding streets are a delight to explore and it’s not that a big a place so feel free to lose and find yourself again.
More wonderful Umbrian countryside awaits as you continue your ride across the Valley of Umbria. Rolling countryside and picture perfect scenery lead you northwards. Every now and then you'll pass through tiny villages and hamlets where you may be tempted to stop for refreshment. Stop to admire the ornate interior of the Santuario Madonna della Stella catholic church before embarking on the final climb of the day up to up to the beautiful medieval village of Montefalco. Often referred to as 'The Balcony of Umbria' because of it's elevated position and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, you are bound to enjoy your night spent in this enchanting little village.
Today’s ride leads you past olive groves and vineyards along the western flank of the Umbrian Valley. The first section leads you downhill to the town of Bevagna. Stop and take in the busting atmosphere of the beautiful medieval square with its fountain and Romanesque churches. Your destination today is Torgiano a beautiful, quiet, medieval town at the confluence of the rivers Tiber and Chiascio. Some of the original fortifications remain to this day but the town is most well known for its wonderful wines and you may wish to visit the town’s impressive wine museum where traditions and techniques of the local viticulture are described and displayed. We also highly recommend sampling some of this wonderful local product in a cosy bar or restaurant.
You’ll spend a second night in Torgiano tonight so today you can choose between two circular rides. The first option is a visit to the provincial capital, Perugia with its delightful Piazzas and impressive renaissance churches, palaces and museums. If you go for this option you can either cycle 24 km to Ponte San Giovanni, at the foot of Perugia, and from here take a local train (return trip, payable locally) to the old town itself or you can cycle 32 km and make the climb by bike. Alternatively, you cycle a loop in the surroundings of Torgiano, 45 km, visiting Deruta, famous throughout the world for producing high quality ceramics. Then it’s onwards to the sanctuary of Madonna dei Bagni, which was built after a miracle is said to have taken place there in 1657 and where there are some 600 votive tiles showcasing the Deruta ceramics. Continue on past some idyllic little Umbrian hamlets before returning to Torgiano in the evening.
Your last day’s ride leads you back along quiet lanes across the valley to Assisi. The hilltop town is visible for most of the ride and just before arriving we suggest a stop at the Franciscan basilica in S.Maria degli Angeli with its impressive dome and humble little chapel Porziuncola, where St. Francis once came to pray. Take your time with the last climb up to the town and then it’s time to relax. Maybe enjoy an afternoon’s sightseeing, possibly a spot of shopping or maybe settle down with a fine Italian wine in a shady spot on the square.
After breakfast it’s time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 21-24 speeds. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump.
Electric bikes are also available.
We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. Alternatively, helmets are provided on arrival.
Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Superior: Comfortable hotels and B&Bs and 1 country house
Assisi: Hotel La Terrazza
Casco dell’Acqua: Casco dell’Acqua
Spoleto: Hotel Clitunno
Montefalco: Hotel degli Affreschi
Torgiano: Hotel al Grappolo d’Oro
Superior Plus: Good quality hotels and B&Bs and 1 country house
Assisi area: Hotel Dal Moro Gallery (4km from the old town) or Hotel La Terrazza in superior room
Spoleto: Hotel San Luca
Torgiano: Tre Vaselle
Local taxes
Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night
Fly to Perugia, Rome or Florence
Research flights from the UK here
Take the train to Assisi
Research trains in Italy here.
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